A RESORT is gearing up for a summer of free concerts in seafront park.

Bents Park in South Shields will once again host a series of Sunday afternoon pop and rock concerts through the summer.

Punk star Toyah Willcox will be the headliner on July 5, supported by former T'Pau singer Carol Decker and Fame Academy star Sinead Quinn.

The Soundpower Orchestra and These Beatles will be the attractions on July 19 and the following weekend (july26) X Factor winner and Eurovision contestant Andy Abraham will be top of the bill, supported by The Moobs and Elle.

Abba tribute act Bjorn Again will perform on August 2 along with S-Club3 and Scott Robinson, former member of boyband 5ive (correct). The doors open for all events at 12.30pm South Tyneside is also putting on a series of free gigs in the seafront Amphitheatre throughout June and July Highlights include The Reet Hot Chili Peppers on Saturday June 6 , a special appearance by The Original Boomtown Rats, featuring Gary Roberts and Simon Crowe , the following Saturday, (June 13) and former Lindisfarne and Jack the Lad frontman Billy Mitchell and his band on Saturday June 27. All events will take place between 7 and 9pm.

There will be a series of brass band performances in the Amphitheatre and South Marine Park.

They include Bede Wind Philharmonic on Saturday June 13 from 11.45am to 12.30pm in South Marine Park , the Murton Colliery Brass Band on Sunday July 26 in the Amphitheatre from 3.30 to 5.30pm and the Gateshead College Brass Band on Sunday August 9 in the Amphitheatre from 2 to 4pm. The council has published a 12 page guide to all events, including the 2009 Cookson Parade on Saturday July 4 and the Mouth of the Tyne Festival on the weekend of July 11 and 12.

For more information call 0191-454 6612, e-mail events@southtyneside.gov.uk or visit the website www.southtyneside.info/summerfestival